The week long 'Mulkadee' challenges students to put together a public performance standard presentation in just five days under the tutelage of some of the region's most accomplished conductors, directors and arts teachers.

"School are the place where we can actually encourage all students to allow their artistic talent to come out" says Catholic Education Townsville diocese's director of education Cathy Day.

"You shouldn't be disadvantaged in any way whether your parents can afford to send you to classes or not."

Many of the students are returning to Mulkadee for a second or third time, and enjoy meeting up with their friends from across the state.

"We get to catch up with people, meet new friends and just have an awesome time" says grade 12 student Josephine from Mt Isa.